EcoModa Asks: What is Sustainable Fashion?
Bamboo-blend sweater by Lara Miller. Photo: Deana Bracken/Green With Glamour
EcoModa Asks: What is Sustainable Fashion?
Do organic fibers a sustainable garment make? What about lifecycle and labor? Where it’s made? Where do function and aesthetics come in?
EcoModa: The Sustainable Fashion Showcase, taking place September 27th at Chicago’s Notebaert Nature Museum, is an exhibition that asks, “What is sustainable fashion?” The exhibit, organized by the nonprofit Foresight Design Initiative, will feature off-the-rack environmentally smart clothing, one-of-a-kind designer pieces, and an assortment of accessories by Midwest and national designers and brands.
One highlight will be a DIY eco-fashion contest. Contestants will model their creations throughout the event, culminating in audience-choice voting for best outfit.
“Design, whether in the form of fashion, architecture or other discipline, is essential to achieving greater sustainability,” said Peter Nicholson, executive director of the Foresight Design Initiative. “Clothing is important not only in terms of its enormous environmental and social impact, but also as a daily reminder of the choices we make.”
EcoModa is part of Foresight’s Sustainable Convergence ’07 party, a gathering of hundreds of people interested in being "green" and sustainable for socializing, networking and inspiration.
Along with EcoModa, Sustainable Convergence ’07 will feature eco-friendly food and drink, music, green giveaways and a Sustainable Enterprise Fair with green goods and services. The annual Convergence continues to grow in popularity, drawing more than 350 people last year.
The Foresight Design Initiative is a nonprofit organization that fosters dialog and action on sustainable innovation in Chicago. At Foresight, design is viewed as a systematic approach to problem-solving that applies not only to traditional design fields, like graphics and architecture, but to business and policymaking, and can help address global issues like renewable energy and climate change. The organization engages the general public, business and government to build community, educate and inspire action to sustain and improve the quality of life without sacrificing the needs of future generations. Monthly Green Drinks gatherings, the Chicago Green Business Directory and the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance are among Foresight’s programs.
Event details:
What: EcoModa: The Sustainable Fashion Showcase/Sustainable Convergence ‘07
When: Thursday, September 27, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: The Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Who: Hosted by the Foresight Design Initiative
Cost: $25 - $50.
Register: www.sustainableconvergence.org